Game Consoles 2004: Waiting for the Next Generation Game Consoles 2004: Waiting for the Next Generation
Abstract The video game console market remains in the back end of the current cycle, with declining shipments expected to continue until the next generation of consoles come to market. The back end of the market is when companies cut prices on both hardware and software to entice more casual, value-oriented consumers.
Sony is still dominating the market with its PlayStation 2 (PS2) console, which shipped its 70 millionth unit in January 2004. Nintendo’s GameCube has performed solidly over the past year, with a worldwide price cut in the fourth quarter of 2003 significantly increasing sales. Microsoft’s Xbox is in a struggle with the GameCube for second place in the market. It has performed well in North America, and is doing increasingly well in Europe.
This report includes a five-year shipment and revenue forecast for each current generation console: the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube, broken down by region. Shipment and revenue forecasts for the next generation of consoles are also provided through 2008. There is also an annual forecast for online console gaming subscribers through 2008. The three participants in this market, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, are profiled in depth in four areas: console business, marketing strategies, online plans, and shipment analysis. In addition, four responses on consumers’ console ownership and buying plans from In-Stat/MDR’s annual Residential Technology Survey are included.
Product Number: IN0401260ME Service: Multimedia Entertainment Equipment Publication Date: November 2004 Number of Pages: 32 Analyst: Brian O'Rourke Price: $2,995 U.S. Dollars Read Press Release
